The Church of Scotland’s Moderator has written to all congregations asking them to raise at least £100 each to help a charity for homeless Scots following the loss of Scottish Government backing.

Borderline, the charity for homeless Scots in London, is under threat of closure after the Scottish Government slashed its funding by 75percent.  Borderline must raise £100,000 this year to maintain services.

Right Reverend David Arnott, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has also written to Alex Salmond, expressing his disappointment about the withdrawal of funding.  Mr Arnott is urging the First Minister to reconsider the Scottish Government’s decision.

Known to those who use Borderline as the “Scottish Embassy in London” it helps first and second generation Scots who have fallen on hard times, usually homelessness.

Mr Arnott said:  “I was moved when I heard of the good work Borderline do for homeless Scots in London.  It is crucial that the Scottish community stands together to ensure that no vulnerable Scot in London is without the support they need.  The Church of Scotland is willing to what it can, but I urge the First Minister to reconsider the grant allocation.”

The Church of Scotland is already involved in tackling homelessness in Scotland through the Scottish Churches Housing Action initiative.  Many individual congregations have helped address homelessness through initiatives such as the Fresh Start scheme, while others have used or plan to use their land on which to build affordable housing.